Steel is an alloy of iron, carbon, and other materials, such as chromium, manganese, nickel, and molybdenum. Carbon is the principal hardening element in steel and as the carbon content increases, the hardness increases; ductility and weldability decreases. In general, steel is considered to be plain or carbon steel when no minimum content is specified, or when any element is added to obtain a desired effect. Carbon steel is more susceptible to corrosion than galvanized, aluminum, or stainless steel.

Hot rolled steel is the product that is reduced from slab to required thickness at an elevated temperature.

ASTM A1008 - Offers closer size tolerance, broader range of sizes and better surface than pickled and oiled. Smooth dull surface is ideal for paints, enamels, lacquers and it can be electroplated. It is soft enough to bend flat on itself without cracking and ductile enough for many drawing applications. Available 7 to 28 gauge.

ASTM A619 - Recommended for use where forming requirements are too severe for Commercial Quality. Can be supplied (Class 1) free of fluting or stretcher straining when intended for use in a reasonably short time. Available 7 to 28 gauge.

ASTM A569 - A low cost steel sheet, soft enough to bend flat on itself in any direction without cracking, ductile enough for shallow drawing. Surface has normal mill oxide. Typically used where finish is of secondary importance. Available 7 to 16 gauge.

ASTM A621 - Used in fabricating parts where drawing or severe forming may be involved and surface appearance is not important. Available 7 to 16 gauge.

.40/.50 CARBON - High carbon content increases yield strength about 50% over low carbon. Abrasion resistance is also improved. It can be heat treated for even greater strength and hardness. Available 7 to 12 gauge.

Steel produced from hot rolled pickled coil that has been given substantial cold reduction at room temperature. Cold rolled is usually specified for thickness under 0.062 inches.

ASTM A619 - Recommended for use where forming requirements are too severe for Commercial Quality. Can be supplied (Class 1) free of fluting or stretcher straining when intended for use in a reasonably short time. Available 7 to 28 gauge.

High-carbon steels are extremely strong but more brittle. This composition allows better responses to heat treatment and longer service life than medium-carbon steels. High-carbon steels have superior surface hardness resulting in high wear resistance. The AISI designations for High-carbon steel are: AISI 1055-1095, 1137-1151, and 1561-1572

Structural Quality Plate
Designed for use in structures such as bridges and buildings, as well as other general applications.

AISI 1008/1010 - A structural Quality plate designed for use in structures such as bridges and buildings, as well as other general applications. Carbon is held to .13 maximum to provide a ductile plate suitable for forming in any direction with excellent weldability.

NS 280 - A heat-treatable plate. The advantage of this plate is that it can be worked (perforated, for example) before it is heat treated. Then, after heat treatment, it develops a Brinnel hardness of approximately 280.

Aluminum combines a unique set of properties (lightweight and resistant to corrosion). It is also nontoxic which makes it an excellent material in cooking utensils. Most aluminum types are an alloy of aluminum, which includes a small quantity of silicon, iron, copper, magnesium, or nickel. These alloys differ in hardness, tensile strength, and other properties.

3003-0-H14 - The most widely used general purpose alloy. 3003 is stronger than 1100 but still readily formable. Excellent resistance to chemicals and weathering.

5005-H32 or H34 - Excellent workability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. 5005 is typically specified for applications where anodizing is required. Anodized coating is clear and lighter than 3003.

6061-T4 or T6 - High strength allow provides good formability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. May be difficult to perforate or bend.

6063-T6 - Highly corrosion resistant with good formability. Softer than 6061-T6 and easier to bend. Finish is pleasing and is the most suitable for anodizing.

Aluminum Insect Screen

Bright - This finish is a light gray, bright finish. Screening in this color is more visible than the charcoal color, especially when viewed from the side with the most light (for example, from the outside looking into a screen porch).

Charcoal - This is a dark gray. This screening is less visible than the bright finish.

Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, nickel, carbon, and other materials. The principal benefit of this product is its resistance to corrosion and/or oxidation. Series 300 stainless steels are chrome-nickel, non-hardening, and austenitic (nonmagnetic). Series 400 steels can be chrome, hardenable martensitic or non-hardenable ferritic (both magnetic). The appearance of stainless steel products with a mill finish may not be suitable for some applications. The appearance can be improved by sand blasting.

Chrome-Nickel, Non-Hardening, Austenitic (Nonmagnetic):

304 Stainless Steel - 304 stainless steel is the most popular type. It contains both chromium and nickel to provide excellent balance between corrosion resistance and workability.

304L Stainless Steel - 304L is low-carbon stainless. The reduction in the amount of carbon makes 304L easier to weld, but reduces hardness.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - A polymer of vinyl chloride that has chemical resistance and self-extinguishing characteristics. It can be cut, welded, glued or solvent bonded and is environmentally friendly. PVC Gray (type 1) is a standard, impact resistant, rigid PVC. PVC is also used as a coating over steel wire cloth to improve corrosion resistance. PVC coatings usually comes in Black, Green, and White.

There are over 300 coppers and copper alloys that are available. Its corrosion resistance, formability, strength, fatigue resistance, and electrical and thermal conductivity make it well suited for a wide variety of applications. Listed below are the more common alloys.

110 - Copper Electrolytic Tough Pitch 99.9%

220 - Commercial Bronze contains 90% Copper and 10% Zinc. Although known as a bronze, it is a true alpha type brass. It has good working properties and is often used in a salt atmosphere.

230 - Red Brass at 85% Copper possesses better cold-working properties than Copper and has a superior corrosion resistance in environments such as salt water.

260 - Cartridge Brass (also called 70-30) was originally developed to prevent jamming of rifle cartridges. This alloy combines high strength and ductility suitable for severe cold working. It has a distinct yellow color. Used in applications where mild corrosion resistance is needed.

268, 270 - Yellow Brass

335 - Low-Leaded Brass

340 -Medium-Leaded Brass

342, 353 - High-Leaded Brass

443 to 445 - Inhibited Admirality

464 to 467 - Naval Brass provides a high degree of corrosion resistance to sea water at even higher than normal temperatures while also assuring greater strength and rigidity.

614 - Aluminum Bronze

705/715 - Cu-Nickel, l0%/30%, resists corrosion; it is widely used in the chemical process industry.

Epoxy is a two-part polyamide resin that is typically applied over aluminum or steel. The epoxy coating adds abrasion resistance. In wire cloth, the combination of aluminum or galvanized wire and an epoxy coating creates a tough cloth that provides both corrosion and abrasion resistance. Epoxy coated wire cloth is typically used for filtration applications. Epoxy coated wire cloth may also be used as insect screen where a premium screen is required.

A silvery metallic chemical element; very malleable and ductile. Its principal function has been as an addition to steel to create steel alloys, but now is being used in its pure form (100% titanium) because of its high strength, light weight, and good corrosion resistance.